Ultimate Case

ABSTRACT

The Ultimate Case provides a functional and stylish means for carrying and protecting an iPod device along with its accessories. The Ultimate Case protects the iPod while offering full access to the IPod&#39;s controls, screen and ports. The invention provides all necessary components for an iPod&#39;s accessories including retractable earphones, a standard plug in charger and a car charger adapter, and a belt clip and dashboard mount socket.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/575,493 filed Aug. 22, 2011, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “The Ultimate Case.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of electronic accessories, and more specifically to the field of carrying cases for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for electronic aids. Among these are:

US Patent 2008/0072083 to Evan Weststrate and Mark B. Spitzer describes a power supply and interface circuit assembly used with a portable media player or PMP to relay signals between the PMP and a peripheral device such as a head mounted display. This invention provides a mobile multi media interface and power pack for portable entertainment devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,830 to Robert Baranowski and Roger William Berg describes a method and apparatus for powering a wireless headset used with a personal electronic device comprising a headset for wireless communicating with a personal electronic device, such as a wireless phone, providing an audio output based on an audio signal from the personal electronic device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,639,584 to Chuang Li describes methods and apparatus for controlling a portable electronic device using a touchpad wherein the portable electronic device includes an MP3 player, portable radio, voice recorder, or portable CD player. A touchpad is mounted on the housing of the device and a user enters commands by tracing patterns with his or her finger on a surface of the touchpad.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying case for electronic devices, specifically an Apple iPod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a screen cover, an input opening for retractable headphones and a dial cover. In this view the headphones are retracted to shortest possible position.

FIG. 2 is a diagonally perspective view with an open top lid illustrating a soft cushion of felt liner layering inside the top lid.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view illustrating an adhesive car hanger pin, an electrical center with a wall plug for charging and an input for an IPod power supply, and the soft cushion area imbedded at the base of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a back side of the present invention showing a cord retractor with attached headphones, a hinge for lid cover, a belt hook, and a car lighter plug adapter. In this view the headphones are extended outward and ready to be used by a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Human communications used to involve typing Morse Code signals to be transmitted though telegraph cables laid across the ocean floors. Now human communication involves voice or electronic mail transmitted through radio signals, servers and satellites. Movies once depended on a piano player to set the mood for an audience who read the action on a screen between scenes and actors moved like staccato stick figures. Movie scenes available in a theater and at home now are so graphic and compelling that it is difficult to distinguish what is live filming from computer generated filming. The progression of the technology for listening to music also has changed dramatically. Radios used to be large cabinet models, literally pieces of furniture, loaded with fragile vacuum tubes. These vacuum tubes were replaced by an invention of a solid state transistor. Radios became portable and people carried radios everywhere. Music players accelerated from a high fidelity stereo for long playing vinyl records or LPs to an eight track tape player to a compact cassette tape player. Cassette tapes and cassette players were replaced by compact discs and CD players which hold more music in less space. Finally these physical disks yielded to audio computer files that can be downloaded into electronic devices such as computers, MP3 players and iPods. Today, we listen to music on CDs, electronic devices, traditional AM or FM radio or satellite radio. It all amounts to a dizzying increase in consumer convenience and choice.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as The Ultimate Case, is invented specifically for an iPod device. An iPod unit requires protection from dings and scratches. To enjoy an iPod's functionality, a user carries various accessories that attach externally to the iPod unit. These accessories include earphones or headphones for listening to music without disturbing other people, a portable cord and adapter for charging the unit's rechargeable battery, and a special mounting bracket for a wearer's belt or in the car. The Ultimate Case provides a functional and stylish means for carrying and protecting an iPod device along with its accessories. The Ultimate Case protects the iPod while offering full access to the iPod's controls, screen and ports. The present invention provides all necessary components for an iPod's accessories including retractable earphones, a standard plug in charger and a car charger adapter, and a belt clip and dashboard mount socket.

The Ultimate Case is produced in a variety of sizes corresponding to various generations of the iPod and its relatives such as iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle. The Ultimate Case is manufactured a variety of materials, ranging from various injection molded thermoplastic polymers to fine leather. The Ultimate Case would is a form fitting rectangular case. The iPod slips into the case through a hinged gasket sealing top. The iPod's viewing screen and menu dial are protected but visible through a pair of acrylic windows. In a facing view, the top right corner of the Ultimate Case comprises a set of earphones, equipped with a reel uptake and a ratcheting cord approximately three to four feet in length. This detachable earphone reel connects the Ultimate Case and iPod by means of a standard earphone jack which contains a gasket seal. A side bar is attached to the retractable headphones for opening and closing the ear pieces. The bottom portion of The Ultimate Case is equipped with a polymeric foam cushion for shock absorption and protection from jarring. The interior of the Ultimate Case is also lined in a layer of foam or felt material. A snap hatch power port at the bottom of the Case allows for using an iPod's adapter and charging cord. A pivoting swing up and two pronged plug allows for direct charging through a standard one hundred ten volt household outlet. The household current is Alternating Current or AC while the iPod's battery requires a conversion to DC or Direct Current for charging. This conversion is accomplished in the iPod's adapter and charging cord by a power rectifier, an electronic device that is incorporated in The Ultimate Case. In addition to the built in plug, The Ultimate Case provides built in adapter for charging the iPod with a car's cigarette lighter or auxiliary power port. The back of The Ultimate Case includes a detachable belt clip of which the interior apex doubles in function as a receiver or socket for a peel and stick adhesive backed dashboard mounting pin included as part of the present invention. In addition to a variety of sizes and materials, The Ultimate Case is produced in a variety of colors, patterns and exterior textures to accommodate the full range of consumer taste.

The Ultimate Case provides iPod owners with far more than a simple carrying case. The Ultimate Case accommodates every accessory required for portable and enjoyable listening, a belt clip and dashboard mount for easy portability and automotive use, a built-in set of retractable headphones, and a unique set of three charging options. These charging options include using an iPod's adapter and charging cord, a simple household outlet or a vehicle's cigarette lighter or auxiliary power port. The present invention neatly provides an iPod user with everything needed to keep an iPod functioning correctly in a protective case without clutter or disarray. An all in one compact packaging for an iPod and its essential accessories, The Ultimate Case is exceptionally durable and attractive and will find a large and enthusiastic market among iPod owners globally.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A carrying case for electronic devices, specifically an Apple iPod, comprising: a case configured to receive an i-pod providing protection from dings and scratches and various accessories that attach externally to including earphones or headphones for listening to music without disturbing other people, a portable cord and adapter for charging the unit's rechargeable battery, and a special mounting bracket for a wearer's belt or in the car.
 2. The case of claim 1 further comprising a configuration to permit full access to the iPod's controls, screen and ports.
 3. The case of claim 1 wherein the earphones have a retractable cord and further comprises a standard plug in charger and a car charger adapter, and a belt clip and dashboard mount socket.
 4. The case of claim 1 manufactured in configurations to accommodate multiple generations of the iPod and its relatives such as iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle.
 5. The case of claim 1 manufactured a variety of materials, including injection molded thermoplastic polymers and fine leather and any other suitable material.
 6. The case of claim 1 comprising a form fitting rectangular case, wherein the iPod slips into the case through a hinged gasket sealing top, and wherein the iPod's viewing screen and menu dial are protected and visible through a pair of acrylic windows.
 7. The case of claim 1 wherein an upper corner of the case comprises a set of earphones, equipped with a reel uptake and a ratcheting cord approximately three to four feet in length, wherein the earphone reel is detachable and the detachable earphone reel connects the Ultimate Case and iPod by means of a standard earphone jack which contains a gasket seal.
 8. The case of claim 7 further comprising a side bar attached to the retractable headphones for opening and closing the ear pieces.
 9. The case of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion of the case is equipped with a polymeric foam cushion for shock absorption and protection from jarring.
 10. The case of claim 1 wherein the interior of the case is lined in a layer of foam or felt material.
 11. The case of claim 10 further comprising a snap hatch power port at the bottom of the case to allow access to the iPod's adapter and charging cord.
 12. The case of claim 11 wherein the cord terminates in a pivoting swing up and two pronged plug to allow for direct charging through a standard one hundred ten volt household outlet, wherein the adapter comprises a power rectifier.
 13. The case of claim 12 wherein the plug also comprises an adapter for charging the iPod with a car's cigarette lighter or auxiliary power port.
 14. The case of claim 1 further comprising a detachable belt clip on the back of the case.
 15. The case of claim 14, wherein the interior apex of the detachable belt clip doubles in function as a receiver or socket for a peel and stick adhesive backed dashboard mounting pin. 